Winter ❄️ wonderland in Wisconsin

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April Snowshowers Bring Unhappy WI residents

You'd be mistaken if you thought this scene was photographed in January. No, it was photographed yesterday in Madison, Wisconsin. A record 7.2 inches (18.3 cm) fell yesterday - just when the snow from the weekend's storm was nearly melted. 

Although I wasn't happy to see the snow, I felt compelled to brave the elements and take some photos.

A snowy tunnel

While walking to Tenney Park, I spotted these two taking a spring/winter swim. While they might be pining for summer, I'm just eager for spring to be here. 

Oh well.

The good news is that within a few days, the snow should be gone. This better be the last time.

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Thai Structure in the Snow

With a decent combination of blue skies, fresh snow, and non-frigid temperatures, I took a late Sunday afternoon walk over to Olbrich Gardens. Winter transforms the pavilion, which looks far more like its counterparts in Thailand during the summer (see example of the Emerald Buddha temple in Bangkok, below).

The late afternoon light caught the warm hues of the gold leaf and red underside, enhancing the jewel-like appearance.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand

If you're in the Madison area, be sure to visit the Olbrich Gardens. Diversely beautiful in each of the four seasons.

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Santa's taking it easy in his La-Z-Boy Sleigh

Here in the land of retiree Snowbirds, even Santa is taking it easy. In his modified La-Z-Boy sleigh, he can put up his feet in style. Illuminated deer light the way. Rudolph takes up the rear.

Santa has some extra help from a few golf carts, all decked out for their mission of spreading cheer.

A Merry Christmas to all!

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March Madness

No, this is not a long-lost photo from December. It was taken last week, on a walk in my neighborhood in Madison. Tonight I sit in the airport waiting to go to Arizona, where I will be "warmly" greeted with temps around 90°F (32°C). No snow boots needed, nor any of that other March madness! Here's looking forward to sunshine and saguaros! 

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From Shorts to Snow

Ah, Wisconsin! As I zipped up my jacket a little bit higher to shield myself from the arctic air, I surveyed the scene around me. 

Powdery snow blew freely, forming ripples reminiscent of those formed in the Sahara Desert. Ducks huddled near the shore, under fallen branches and leaning grasses. My fingers felt awkward as I clumsily tried to manipulate the dials on my camera. How could it be that just a couple of days earlier, Madison residents were strolling about in shorts - and some even complaining about the heat!

Of course, it wouldn't last. Perhaps in a couple of months, spring will try again. For now I'll have to be content with the pillowy rocks and icy ripples.

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A February Winter Sunset

These last few days, we have been blessed by sunshine (sometimes a rarity in winter). This evening, the clouds were present just enough to create some beautiful sunset effects. This view is from my balcony in Madison.

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Ice Trails

With the rather dreary weather and melting snow, I decided to look for some different patterns in nature. While walking over a bridge at Tenney Park, I noticed the intriguing linear patterns created by the ice below.

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Shadows in the Snow

Having finally spotted the sun, I happily bundled up and went for a photowalk. With the addition of a strong light source, the snow glittered and objects became more dimensional. It also created some wonderful shadows.

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Crooked Branches and Leaning Trees

Despite the overcast skies, I was determined to get out and take some photos featuring the overnight snowfall. With the flat lighting, I would have to focus on other elements. These branches evoked a stark, but beautiful quality with their dynamic, wiggling lines.

These trees provided some nice diagonals, echoed with the opposing diagonal of the open waters at the shoreline.

See more Winter in Wisconsin photos on my Flickr album

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Snowy Tiled Patterns

Fondly remembering the beautiful patterns created by snowfall on the tiles of a Buddhist temple in Seoul.

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Into the icy water

What a difference a few months makes. Tenney Park is now a stark winterland, the branches of the fallen tree blanketed in snow and a bit timid about dipping its tips into the frigid waters.

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Enjoying a Picnic with E.T.

The lawns of the Madison state capitol became a patchwork of colorful blankets for the evening's Concert on the Square. Around 50,000 attendees attended the free concert featuring well-known movie songs by composer John Williams. It was a great evening to enjoy a picnic dinner, and even some wine. Both young and old (as well as some dogs) were captivated by the well-known songs of the composer whose scores span six decades. Some of the favorites included the Star Wars theme, Indiana Jones, Superman, and ET.

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The Resiliency of Bamboo

As I walked through the temple grounds, the snow-laden bamboo branches captured my attention. Prior to living in Asia, I had associated bamboo with growing in tropical places, not also in those that received snow. Yet even in heavy snowfalls, the bamboo proves resilient. In Daoism philosophy (present in Korea and China), bamboo is considered a symbol of longevity, flexibility, and durability. In Japan, the bamboo plant is revered for the same attributes.  Although bamboo can bend quite deeply under the heavy pressure of snow (and even look as if it will break), the bamboo proves resilient, snapping back upright in defiance.

When challenges and adversity come our way, perhaps we could take some lessons from the bamboo. These slender stalks have a higher tensile strength than steel. I doubt that even the massive trees of the Pacific Northwest can match that. Although we may not be the biggest, wealthiest, smartest, most popular, or showiest person on the block, Christ has made us like bamboo. We may sway deeply in the wind or bend rather severely, but if we hold steadfast in our faith in God, we will not break. As Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Him who give me strength."

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Laden with Snow

Some more winter images of Bongwonsa Temple, focusing on pattern on trees.

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눈 Patterns in the Snow

If autumn leaves and spring blossoms can create beautiful patterns, why not snow? 

An exploration of Bongwonsa Temple, focusing on winter patterns. 

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Snow Queen and the Frosted Bushes

As I glanced outside my window, it was as if a voice beckoned me, calling me to come out and meet her. Mesmerized with the scene before me, I obliged, casting aside my work obligations and letting my artistic instincts take over. Knowing that I didn't have a lot of time before nightfall emerged, I headed to one of the nearest picturesque spots - Bongwonsa Temple. 

Here, a female white statue welcomed me, like a snow queen amidst the frosted bushes. 

The main temple and surrounding forest was all painted in the same wintry white - quite a stark contrast to the pink blossoms I painted there in spring.  

The snow queen did her magic here as well, enveloping the already tranquil scene with an extra layer of calmness.

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Winter Wonderland at SFS

A little tour around  Seoul Foreign School this past Sunday

Middle School and SFS Gate

High School, Gate, and Elementary School (behind gate)

New Gate near the parking structure

Lyso Center (left), new gate, British School, parking structure

E-dong residential building

D-dong residential building

Road towards G-dong

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Snowflakes from My Window

While talking with my sister on Skype, the world outside my window was transformed. For most of the winter, the snowflakes on my window were the closest thing to the white stuff in Seoul. 

A look through the apartment stairway window left me with no doubt. I HAD to go out and capture the winter wonderland set before me. Schoolwork would have to wait.

Watch for subsequent posts on my journey - perhaps my last one, through the winter wonderland of Seoul.

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